Amazing Amaryllis

There are many Amaryllis to choose from in terms of colour and the time it takes the flowers to appear. Unusual colours include Black Pearl, Gold Medal, Solomon and Charmeur.-Double Amaryllis includes Dancing Queen, Pasadena, Nymph or Aphrodite.

• Bulbs such as Pizazz, Razzle Dazzle, Merry Christmas, Candy-floss and Blushing Bride are guaranteed to bloom in only 4-6 weeks.
• Amaryllis that have a particularly exotic appearance include Papillio and La Paz.
• Amoretta and Scarlet Baby are multi-flowering miniature specimens.
• Whatever your décor, there is an Amaryllis that is just right for you. Boxed gift sets make an ideal holiday present for the beginner or the most discriminating gardener.

• Amaryllis likes to be crowded.
• For single bulbs, choose a pot that is 2½ to 5 cm wider than the diameter of the bulb and about 17 cm deep.
• Plant multiple bulbs in a wider container to make a statement.
• Ensure there is at least one drainage hole. Cover the hole(s) with pieces of broken clay pots or a fine-mesh screen to prevent soil from washing out.
• Use soilless or seed starting soil mixture to fill the container halfway. Pack the mixture firmly.
• Place the Amaryllis so that a ¼ to ½ of the bulb is above the soil. This prevents water from accumulating around its neck that would cause it to rot. Firm soil around the bulb and water it well. Do not water again until it shows active growth.
• Place the planted container in a bright, warm room that is 18-24°C by day and cooler at night. The first signs of the bud stalk will start to push up within a few weeks. Leaves may appear at the same time or later.
• Water whenever the top of the soil feels dry and fertilize twice a month with a water soluble fertilizer such as Parkwood® Water Soluble 15-30-15.
• Rotate the pot regularly to encourage even growth.
• Ensure a form of support is provided. The flower stalk will elongate quickly to a height of 45-100 cm and become very heavy when the 4 blossoms at the top start to open.
• Move the plant into a cooler spot away from direct sunlight as the flowers will not last as long in the heat and bright light.
   

• Feed the bulb and let it go dormant for a period of time. Producing the tremendous blooms uses up all the previously stored energy.
• The plant now requires plenty of water, fertilizer and sunshine so the long leaves can carry on the process of photosynthesis and replenish the bulb’s food supply.
• Remove the flower stems and place the plant in a sunny window.
• Water when the soil is dry to the touch and fertilize twice a month to promote healthy foliage. The more leaves produced means more flower stalks next winter.
• Pots can be moved outside in late May. Start in the shade so the foliage does not burn. Gradually move the bulb so that it can receive at least 4 hours of sunshine per day. You can remove the bulb from its container and plant it directly into the garden. Ensure you are very gentle as the fleshy roots resent rough handling. You can also leave the bulb in its pot and sink directly into a bed.
• Continue to water and feed the bulb regularly throughout the summer.Dormancy
• Leaves will begin to turn yellow and die back by late August. This is the beginning of the bulb’s dormant stage.
• Stop watering and fertilizing.
• Lay the pot on its side so rain won’t moisten the soil. If the bulb is in the ground, dig it up.
• Dry the bulb completely in the shed or garage.
• Bring the bulb inside before the first hard frost.
• Cut off all the dead leaves and store it, still in its pot or loose, in a dark, cool basement (about 13°C) for approximately 2 months.
   

• 6-8 weeks before you want your Amaryllis to flower again, bring it out of its resting place.
• Remove the top 2.5 cm of soil with a spoon and add a fresh soilless mix or re-pot the bulb if it summered directly in the garden.
• Water the bulb well and follow the rest of the initial planting instructions. If it doesn’t re-flower give it another year to gather enough strength to re-bloom. Another reason an Amaryllis may not bloom again is if its roots have been disturbed too often.
• Re-pot only when the bulb looks really crowded (about every 3-4 years). Do this after the dormancy period at the start of the new growth period.